Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

2010 Macondo Well Blowout

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, resulting in the breaking and collapse of the Macondo well riser pipe and consequent ejection of oil and gas into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. After 87 days, the well was capped, and the ocean had received 4.9 million barrels (206 million gallons) of oil plus gas that is 1.5 to 2.9 barrels of oil equivalent into its ecosystem. Furthermore, an estimated 2 million gallons or more of dispersant were ejected into the system both at the wellhead at 5,067 feet below the surface (771,000 gallons) as well as at the surface. The story continues, and its end is not within sight. The following pages tell that story.